All Creatures Great and Small Shows People Still Love Quiet Stories

 

All Creatures Movie Poster from pbs.org

I attended a few webinars recently about what types of books are selling right now. For a writer (like me) who is working on a contemporary, quieter story, the news is never good.

Horror, romantasy and mystery/thriller are selling well according to most sources. One presenter explained that scary stories are popular because they are a safe way for kids to deal with their fears and anxiety. 

May I present another choice? One that won’t give kids more things to be afraid of.

My family loves All Creatures Great and Small. Due to its incredible popularity (six seasons so far have been planned), it seems we are not the only ones.

Strangely enough, nothing of significance happens in the show. The stakes are low. Usually there’s a problem with an animal or personal relationship that is resolved by the end of the episode. James and Helen—a married couple on the show—get along and work as a team. It seems a given that no important characters will die.

                                             All Creatures Great and Small Season 5 Preview from pbs.org

Recently I read an inspiring post on Facebook by Karen Andreola, author of the novel, Michael’s Gentle Wife and nonfiction books about parenting.

She talked about having a glimmer of sunshine in your stories instead of filling it with things that might trigger your reader.

If you do add those glimmers of goodness, she says, you might have to write outside the norm.
It seems every writing book I’ve read says, “Make it darker, darker, darker.” That’s what makes people turn the page. It’s like watching a car accident on repeat.

Is that the only thing that makes people turn the page?

I’m not saying that all books or stories need to be quiet, because I also enjoy fantasy and mysteries. But if you are writing a quiet, everyday story, remember that there is a long legacy of popular books in this genre, especially for children and teens. 

Books that people come back to again and again. Because they feel like friends.

Here are a few of my favorite quiet reads, both old and new:

Anything by Kate diCamillo

Anne of Green Gables (of course!)

Nancy Cavanaugh's books

Maud Lovelace (Athough I love her Betsy, Tacy series, Emily of Deep Valley is my favorite.)

The Penderwicks series by Jeanne Birdsall

The Vanderbeekers series by Karina Van Glaser

Wonderland by Barbara O'Connor

 

Coincidentally as I was drafting this post, I came across this substack analysis by Sam Subity of middle grade books.

In 2024 34% of middle grades sold were contemporary (compared to 37% fantasy). The rest were smaller percentages of other genres. 

Your Turn:

Are you drawn to more quiet stories or action-packed or does it depend on your mood? What types of books would you like to see more of? Do you have any quiet books you love? I'm always looking for new gems!

 If you'd like to read more middle grade reviews or join in the MMGM fun, go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.

 

MMGM: 90s Gems: The First State of Being and The Kid Who Ran for President

 

What’s not to love about the 90s? A return to more subdued hair styles and clothing after the over-the-top styles of the 80s. (I’m looking at you, Wall-a-Bangs.) Great music. And some of my favorite movies of all time. 

When I read the premise for this year’s Newberry winner, The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly (Time travel during Y2K!), I had to check it out. Also, I recently read a book written during the 90s, The Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman. The Homework Machine was a huge hit at my house when my kids were in middle graders, and Gutman did not disappoint on the humor.

Although these books couldn’t be more different, they are both thought-provoking reads.  If you’re love time travel, are nostalgic for the 90s, or you like funny books about class clowns running for president, check either of these out.

 

The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly

When twelve-year-old Michael Rosario meets a mysterious boy from the future, his life is changed forever. From bestselling author Erin Entrada Kelly, also the winner of the Newbery Medal for Hello, Universe and a Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space, this novel explores themes of family, friendship, trust, and forgiveness. The First State of Being is for fans of Rebecca Stead’s When You Reach Me.

It's August 1999. For twelve-year-old Michael Rosario, life at Fox Run Apartments in Red Knot, Delaware, is as ordinary as ever—except for the looming Y2K crisis and his overwhelming crush on his sixteen-year-old babysitter, Gibby. But when a disoriented teenage boy named Ridge appears out of nowhere, Michael discovers there is more to life than stockpiling supplies and pining over Gibby.

It turns out that Ridge is carefree, confident, and bold, things Michael wishes he could be. Unlike Michael, however, Ridge isn’t where he belongs. When Ridge reveals that he’s the world’s first time traveler, Michael and Gibby are stunned but curious. As Ridge immerses himself in 1999—fascinated by microwaves, basketballs, and malls—Michael discovers that his new friend has a book that outlines the events of the next twenty years, and his curiosity morphs into something else: focused determination. Michael wants—no, needs—to get his hands on that book. How else can he prepare for the future? But how far is he willing to go to get it?

A story of time travel, friendship, found family, and first loves, this thematically rich novel is distinguished by its voice, character development, setting, and exploration of the issues that resonate with middle grade readers.

Finalist for the National Book Award and Winner of the Newbery Medal.(From Amazon)

My Take:

This book definitely deserves all the praise it got. It does remind me of When You Reach Me, but has its own twists on time travel, including using documents, audio recordings, and manuals from the future time and a different take on the whole butterfly paradox. I also liked how Kelly portrayed poverty in a realistic way and showed there can be still be love and joy in a family whatever its circumstances. Michael (not Mike) was a great main character. His loyalty and care for his mama, his desire to be older than he was, and his curiosity about the world won me over from the start. I loved how Michael learned about being thankful and grateful for the moment he’s living in, and that we can’t control the future.

 

The Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman

Bestselling author Dan Gutman's sharp, funny farce about the youngest candidate to ever run for President of the United States!

""Hi! My name is Judson Moon. I'm twelve years old and I'm running for President of the YOU-nited States."That's how I introduced myself to about a zillion people. I must have kissed a zillion babies, said a zillion hellos, shaken a zillion hands . . . Will I get a zillion votes? The answer might surprise you.Can you picture a kid as President? Imagine what we can accomplish -- together -- in a country where parents listen. Where teachers give no homework. Where every lawmaker obeys a single kid -- me! How am I going to pull this off? Who knows! Read the book to find out." (from Amazon)

My Take:

This book requires a huge suspension of disbelief. It reminded me of School Story by Andrew Clements, which chronicles a kid getting a publishing contract. Like that book, there were a lot of things that couldn’t possibly happen. But if you don’t take it too seriously, this book is super fun. Judson Moon is the kid I wouldn't want to have in class, but was so fun to read about. I really enjoyed the contrast between his easy-going, careless attitude and his serious campaign manager. His character arc is very rewarding. There were too many funny moments to count, and it'd make for great discussion for studying President’s Day (today!) or during Election Season in the classroom or homeschool.

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):

The First State of Being:

🦴More cats! I can't believe you picked another cat book. C'mon! What's with the focus on the future? I live in the eternal now.

The Kid Who Ran for President:

🦴 🦴 🦴There was a bird, Snot, renamed Cuddles for the campaign. He sounded tasty! Plus, this was really funny.

 If you'd like to read more middle grade reviews or join in the MMGM fun, go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.

Your Turn:

Have you read either of these books? What is your favorite thing from the 90s? If you could time travel, where would you go?

 

MMGM: Sweet Reads for Middle Schoolers

In honor of Valentine’s Day this week, I’m featuring a couple of MG books with love themes. Honestly, I don’t usually like to see too much romance for the middle grade set, but both these books handle crushes and flutterings of interest in the other sex with charm and grace. And if you’re thinking it’s all about boyfriend/girlfriends, you’d be wrong.

Both books are coincidentally by a new small publisher I discovered last year, Owl’s Nest Books.  Their philosophy is summed up on their website: “Owl’s Nest Publishers books are good, true, and beautiful reflections of the adolescent experience.”

Both these books are wonderful reflections of those awkward teen years and learning what true love really means.

 

Not Exactly Love by Devin Brown

Thirteen-year-old Leda Johnson suffers from a secret and severe case of semi-requited love—meaning she has a friend who is a boy but not her boyfriend, but she wishes he was. With “Rolling and Rocking,” St. Luke’s first annual Valentine’s Day roller skating party, rapidly approaching, Leda wonders what will come of her unspoken dream and the mysterious cat that has suddenly appeared on their deck. (From Owl’s Nest)

My Take:

This was my first introduction to Owl’s Nest. A friend suggested I read this since I am writing an epistolary novel as Not Exactly Love is told in letters to Leda's diary. At first it was a little hard to get into, and I was unsure if I’d like a book for MG where the main plot was all about a crush. But there are some wonderful layers to this novel, and I really loved how Leda discovered the real meaning of love—caring for others more than yourself—by the end. Leda attends a private Episcopal school, so they are subtle faith messages woven throughout. And there was the sweet subplot with the cat! Sometimes the ending makes the whole book, and this ending hit all the right notes. I wished I had a book like this when I was a middle schooler!

Peony Watercolor’s Wish for Sun and Moon by Robyn Field

Twelve-year-old Peony Watercolor is keeping a secret from her two best friends: Her parents are out of work, and they might have to sell their beloved, story-filled Reading House, pack everything into ugly brown boxes, and move to a different state.


Peony will do anything to save her family’s Reading House, so when Hollyfield Middle School announces that the talent show’s grand prize is $1,000, she signs up, determined to win. While she thinks a cash prize will save her, the school’s mysterious new librarian, Lenora, seems to have other ideas. Lenora gives Peony a magic book that might know Peony better than Peony knows herself—a book that contains stories, recipes, poems, and instructions to guide Peony and hold her together while the rest of her world falls apart.


When the fraying threads of Peony’s home life, secrets, and the talent show finally begin to unravel, she must uncover the meaning of the magical book or risk losing not only the Reading House, but also the friendships she loves most. (From Owl’s Nest)

My Take:

Ah this book! Every word is magical. I loved the Cinderella elements, and the warm relationship between Peony and her parents. Her friendship with her two besties—and the newcomer at school—were so real and authentic. You know I love seeing strong girl friendships, as it is rare in kidlit. The romance with her Prince Charming was cute and sweet—and of course, they get to go to a ball (a.k.a. middle school dance). But my favorite part of this book was how Field portrayed lying. It’s so common in kidlt for a character to lie as a means to an end. But with Peony, her lies have consequences. It hurts her and drives her from those who love her most. This theme of the importance of reaching out and relying on our friends during hard times was really lovely!

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):

Not Exactly Love:

🦴There was a cat! How could you even pick up a book like that? The betrayal! More dogs, please.

Peony Watercolor:

🦴 No animals at all. Too many people. Where is the love?

Hopefully next week's read will be more to Max's taste. 

Your Turn:

What have you been reading or watching lately? Any sweet reads or movies on your list this week? 

I hope your week is filled with the people and things you love!

 If you'd like to read more middle grade reviews or join in the MMGM fun, go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.

 

#ISWG: Should You Revise or Rewrite?

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Personal Update

I know it’s been a long time (2 years!) since I posted. Ack! Well, although 2023 was a challenging year, it did lead to me being able to step down from my teaching position in 2024. Although I do miss my students and wonderful colleagues, I am so enjoying having more brain space for writing. My mind is exploding with ideas!

I’m so happy to be back, and God willing, I will be posting regularly again in this space more consistently.

To revise or rewrite?

Years ago, I attended a conference where a best-selling author made a bold statement. “I never revise.” He said revising makes writing lose its freshness.

At the time, the comment confused me. How could you not edit your writing? It wasn’t till much later that I realized what he meant. It wasn’t that he didn’t change his writing before submitting to his publisher. He just meant that he rewrote scenes rather than just edit what was already there.

I’ve thought about this comment a lot lately. Last fall I read a new craft book Refuse to Be Done by Matt Bell. He said something similar: “When in doubt, rewrite instead of revise.” (93)  He suggested for the second draft of your book to rewrite it from scratch, but use the first draft as a starting point.

Wow, I thought at the time. I couldn’t do that. But after more thought, I realized that that’s exactly what my current WIP needed. I’d been spinning in circles and moving words around for at least a year. Based on some feedback I knew I needed to make major revisions—and I couldn’t easily do that just by revising.

So, I’m currently rewriting the whole thing. And I’m loving it. Mostly. It’s not like drafting the first time, where I feel like I’m going about blindfolded, feeling my way to the end of the story. This time I know my story and characters well. Which I guess, however you do it (rewriting or revising), is the key.

Maybe rewriting isn't for every writer or even every manuscript. But it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for this one.

This month's question: Is there a story or book you've written that you wished you could go back and change? Oops! I didn't really answer that question. I wouldn't change any of my published work. For me, it's out there and out of my head.

But my works-in-progress? I can keep redoing as much as I want.

How about you? Do you rewrite or revise?

Or does it depend on the story?

Do you want to change any of your books/stories?

If you'd like to read more ISWG posts or sign up, please go HERE. You won't be disappointed.